[NABS-L] CONFERENCE CALL - NABS Code of Conduct (Sunday, April 22, at 8pm eastern)

[Amy Sabo]

hello sarah and all,

yes, this is a good topic and, I too am glad that the national nfb and
president ricabanno has finally decided to use this code of conduct in
the organization!  I do hope that we can use this code of conduct in
all of the umbrellas of the nfb in the local, state, and national
levels too not just through nabs.  I believe this is a time in the
communications society due to the metoo movement in the entertainment
industry and, especially in all organizations that we need this code
of conduct!  it's time that the nfb decided to do this!  a code of
conduct or ethics involved in allbusinesses and organizations public,
private, or nonprofit.  thanks again and, I will try to call in if
possible. if not then I will now just voice my views here....



hugs,
amy

On 4/22/18, Sarah Meyer via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Dear Kathryn and all,
> Thank you from the bottom of my heart for adopting this code of
> conduct. I sincerely hope that all other divisions, affiliates,
> chapters, and the National Division as a whole are planning to adopt
> this code of conduct if it hasn't already been done. I also sincerely
> hope that our training centers will adopt this code of conduct. I
> especially appreciate that you are addressing concerns about diversity
> and inclusion, sexual assault and harassment, and procedures for
> handling complaints. It is high time that we had some structure and
> accountability like this in place and I am truly grateful to you and
> President Riccobono for taking these important steps to protect the
> members of our organization, the integrity of what we do, and our
> reputation as a whole. I have so much respect, gratitude, and
> admiration for you for taking these important steps.
>
> I may be reaching out with individual questions as I may not be able
> to participate in this call tonight. For now, I just wanted to express
> publicly my deepest gratitude.
>
> All the best,
>
> Sarah
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Sun, 15 Apr 2018 23:04:10 -0400
> From: "Kathryn Webster, President,      National Association of Blind
>         Students" <
> nabs.president at gmail.com>
> To: "'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'"
>         <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>,
> <
> nfbnet-students at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: "'Syed Rizvi'" <
> syedrizvinfb at gmail.com>,
>         <michael.ausbun at gmail.com>,
>     <
> chelsea.peahl at hotmail.com>,
> "'Cody
>         Beardslee'" <
> codybeardslee at gmail.com>,
>  <
> ShannonCantan.nfb at gmail.com>,
>         "'Dustin Cather'" <
> cather.dustin at gmail.com>,
>    <
> bjduarte at asu.edu>,
>         <williams.tarik20 at gmail.com>
> Subject: [NABS-L] CONFERENCE CALL - NABS Code of Conduct (Sunday,
>         April 22, at 8pm eastern)
> Message-ID: <01cd01d3d52f$9830f1c0$c892d540$@
> gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain;       charset="us-ascii"
>
> Students,
>
> On Thursday, March 9, 2018, the National Association of Blind Students
> (NABS) Board adopted the below Code of Conduct as Federation policy. As our
> organization puts a concerted emphasis on diversity, inclusion, equality,
> and respect, our members and leaders are expected to abide by the below Code
> in carrying out the mission and purpose of the National Federation of the
> Blind. We are grateful to President Riccobono and the National Board of
> Directors for spearheading efforts to explicitly adopt a Federation Code of
> Conduct as we continue improving the lives of blind people.
>
> I invite each of you to not only read, but understand the NABS Code of
> Conduct as outlined. As stated, we do not tolerate harassment, assault,
> discrimination, or behavior unbecoming to any of our members. This Code of
> Conduct sets forth a minimum standard; forcing all of us to reflect and make
> choices each and every day. I am incredibly passionate about the initiative
> undertaken and am glad that our students are encouraged and expected to
> follow the standards. Thus, I am interested in questions, concerns,
> hesitations, etc. Our members are the core of our greater organization; and
> as such, vital in the progression of NABS and the National Federation of the
> Blind.
>
> On Sunday, April 22, at 8pm eastern, we are hosting a call to discuss the
> adopted policies as a means of transparency and accountability to each of
> us. I encourage you to join President Riccobono and myself, as well as our
> NABS Board, to dissect the below material and voice any questions you may
> have. While the standards outlined within the Code of Conduct were expected
> prior to the formal adoption, we should place a high priority on personally
> comprehending the guidelines.
>
> When - Sunday, April 22
>
> Time - 8pm eastern
>
> Where - NABS line; 712-770-5197,,265669.
>
> I'm here to address any questions before, after, or during! I thank you for
> your time, energy, and outstanding participation in the National Association
> of Blind students!
>
> NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND STUDENTS CODE OF CONDUCT
>
> I. Introduction
>
> The National Association of Blind Students is part of a nationwide community
> of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's
> blind. The Federation knows that blindness is not the characteristic that
> defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind
> people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and
> our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you
> back. To help carry out the Federation's vital mission, this Code of Conduct
> sets forth policies and standards that all members, especially Federation
> leaders, are expected to adopt and follow.
>
> II. Diversity Policy
>
> The National Association of Blind Students embraces diversity and full
> participation as core values in its mission to achieve equality,
> opportunity, and security for the blind. We are committed to building and
> maintaining a national division that is unified in its priorities and
> programs and is directed by the membership. We respect differences of
> opinion, beliefs, identities, and other characteristics that demonstrate
> that blind people are a diverse cross section of society. Furthermore, the
> division is dedicated to continuing to establish new methods of membership
> and leadership development that reflect the diversity of the entire blind
> community. In promoting a diverse and growing organization, we expect
> integrity and honesty in our relationships with each other and openness to
> learning about and experiencing cultural diversity. We believe that these
> qualities are crucial to fostering social and intellectual maturity.
> Intellectual maturity also requires individual struggle with unfamiliar
> ideas. We recognize that our views and convictions will be challenged, and
> we expect this challenge to take place in a climate of tolerance and mutual
> respect in order to maintain a united organization. While we encourage the
> exchange of differing ideas and experiences, we do not condone the use of
> demeaning, derogatory, or discriminatory language, action, or any other form
> of expression intended to marginalize an individual or group. The National
> Association of Blind Students does not tolerate discrimination on the basis
> of race, creed, color, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual
> orientation, national origin, citizenship, marital status, age, genetic
> information, disability, or any other characteristic or intersectionality of
> characteristics.
>
> III. Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy
>
> The National Association of Blind Students will not tolerate discrimination
> on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender identity and
> expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, marital
> status, age, genetic information, disability, or any other characteristic or
> intersectionality of characteristics. Harassment on the basis of any of
> these characteristics similarly will not be tolerated. Although this Code of
> Conduct establishes a minimum standard prohibiting discrimination and
> harassment, nothing in this Code should be interpreted to limit in any way a
> person's right to report abuse or harassment to law enforcement when
> appropriate.
>
> Sexual harassment is prohibited by state and federal law and also will not
> be tolerated by the National Association of Blind Students. Complaints of
> harassment may be lodged by a female against a male, by a female against a
> female, by a male against a male, or by a male against a female. Sexual
> harassment is defined as "unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual
> favors, sexually motivated physical contact, or other verbal or physical
> conduct or communication of a sexual nature." The following conduct is
> either considered conduct that by itself is sexual harassment, or that has
> the potential risk of causing sexual harassment to occur, and this conduct
> is therefore prohibited:
>
> *                     unwelcome inappropriate physical contact or touching;
>
> *                     repeating of sexually suggestive
> jokes/references/innuendoes and comments about an individual's body/sexual
> prowess/physical attributes/dress;
>
> *                     the use of sexually derogatory
> language/pictures/videos toward/about another person;
>
> *                     the use of inappropriate sexual gestures;
>
> *                     sexually suggestive propositions; and
>
> *                     explicit or implicit threats that failure to submit
> will have negative consequences.
>
> Under this policy, harassment can be verbal, written, or physical conduct
> that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because
> of his or her race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender
> identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status,
> citizenship, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by
> law; or that of his or her relatives, friends, or associates, and that a)
> has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive
> environment; b) has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with
> an individual's performance or involvement in the organization; or c)
> otherwise adversely affects an individual's opportunities for
> participation/advancement in the organization.
>
> Harassing conduct includes epithets, slurs, or negative stereotyping;
> threatening, intimidating or hostile acts including bullying; denigrating
> jokes; and written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or
> aversion toward an individual or group that is placed on walls or elsewhere
> on the organization's premises or circulated by email, phone (including
> voice messages), text messages, social networking sites, or other means.
>
> IV. Social Media and Web Policy
>
> All members of the Federation, but especially officers of National
> Association of Blind Students, should follow these recommended guidelines
> when making comments online, posting to a blog, using
> Facebook/Twitter/LinkedIn/YouTube/Pinterest/Instagram/similar tools, and/or
> using other platforms that fall under the definition of social media:
>
> *         Promote the mission and branding message of the organization in
> comments/posts.
>
> *         Recognize that you are morally and legally responsible for
> comments/pictures posted online.
>
> *         Be aware that the audience includes members and nonmembers of the
> NFB, both youth and adults, representing diverse cultures and backgrounds.
>
> *         Refrain from using profanity/derogatory language.
>
> *         Post/respond with integrity. Though you may disagree with a post,
> be respectful and factual. Do not fight or air personal grievances online.
>
> *         Do not post materials that are inappropriate for children/minors
> to view/share/read.
>
> V. Conflict of Interest Policy
>
> Each National Association of Blind Students officer (hereafter national
> division leader) is expected to take appropriate responsibility to protect
> the Federation from misappropriation or mismanagement of Federation funds
> (including funds of the division in which the national division leader
> assumes a leadership role).
>
> Each national division leader is expected to disclose the existence of any
> potentially conflicting personal financial interest or relationship to the
> full National Association of Blind Students Board of Directors and seek its
> review and approval, as specified below. For example:
>
> *         A national division leader must seek board review and approval of
> his or her receipt of salary or compensation of any kind from the Federation
> (including an affiliate, chapter, or division).
>
> *         A national division leader must seek board review and approval of
> receipt by his or her spouse, parent, child, sibling, or other close
> relative of salary or compensation of any kind from the Federation
> (including an affiliate, chapter, or division).
>
> *         A national division leader must seek board review and approval of
> any ownership interest exceeding 5 percent in or of any salary,
> compensation, commission, or significant tangible gift from any commercial
> venture doing business or seeking to do business with the Federation
> (including an affiliate, chapter, or division). This process will also apply
> to the review of such interests involving spouses, parents, children,
> siblings, or other close relatives.
>
> *         In reviewing matters brought pursuant to this section, the
> division officer seeking division board review and approval will refrain
> from voting.
>
> *         Each national division leader shall take appropriate steps to
> avoid unauthorized or inaccurate appearances or official endorsement by the
> Federation (including an affiliate, chapter, or division) of any product,
> service, or activity that has not been so endorsed. For example, because the
> Federation never endorses political parties or candidates for elected
> office, any national division leader participating in the political process
> must take care to avoid creating an appearance of official Federation
> endorsement.
>
> VI. Policy While Interacting with Minors
>
> For purposes of this Code of Conduct and consistent with most legal
> standards, a minor is any individual under the age of eighteen. While
> interacting with any minor, a national division officer shall recognize that
> a minor cannot legally give consent for any purpose even if said minor is
> verbally or otherwise expressing consent. For example, a minor may say that
> he/ or she consents to physical interaction. However, such consent is not
> valid or legal and should not be accepted. A parent or guardian must be
> informed and consulted about any action requiring consent from the minor. A
> national division leader shall report any inappropriate interactions between
> adults and minors to the minor's parents and law enforcement when
> appropriate.
>
> VII. Alcohol and Drug Policy
>
> Although alcoholic beverages are served at some Federation social functions,
> members and Federation leaders may not participate in any such functions in
> a condition that prevents them from participating safely and from conducting
> Federation business effectively or that might cause embarrassment to or
> damage the reputation of the Federation. The Federation prohibits the
> possession, sale, purchase, delivery, dispensing, use, or transfer of
> illegal substances on Federation property or at Federation functions.
>
> VIII. Other General Principles
>
> In addition to the other policies and standards set-forth herein, officers
> of the National Association of Blind Students (hereafter national division
> leaders) shall adhere to the following standards:
>
> *         National division leaders shall practice accountability and
> transparency in all activities and transactions.
>
> *         National division leaders shall foster a welcoming environment at
> NFB meetings, events, and conferences that is a cooperative and productive
> atmosphere for all members and nonmembers.
>
> *         National division leaders shall interact with NFB staff in a
> professional manner and follow proper channels of authority and
> communication.
>
> *         National division leaders shall positively promote the NFB through
> verbal and written communication.
>
> *         Whenever possible, national division leaders and members are
> strongly encouraged to handle conflicts or complaints involving other
> members privately, directly, and respectfully. Nothing in this standard is
> intended to limit a national division leader's or member's right to pursue
> organizational change through appropriate methods or to limit anyone's right
> to file a complaint for violation of this Code when necessary.
>
> IX. Violations and Complaint Procedure
>
> Violations of this Code of Conduct, after first being established through
> the process set-forth below, are subject to disciplinary action by the
> Federation. Such disciplinary actions may include but are not limited to
> counselling, verbal and/or written reprimand, probation, suspension or
> termination of officer/leadership duties, and/or suspension or expulsion
> from the Federation.
>
> *         Any complaint for a violation of this Code of Conduct shall be
> filed with the national division president. The national division president
> shall appoint a committee of no more than four persons to investigate the
> complaint and provide a recommendation for action or lack thereof. The
> committee shall be comprised of persons not directly involved in the matters
> being raised and who can be completely unbiased about the individuals and
> issues addressed in the complaint. Every effort shall be made to appoint a
> committee reflecting the broad diversity of individuals in the Federation.
> The national division president shall inform the national President in a
> timely fashion of any complaints filed and report on the resolution of such
> complaints.
>
> *         Complaints shall be treated as confidential in order to protect
> the identity and reputation of the person about whom the complaint is filed
> and the person filing the complaint.
>
> *         All complaints shall be filed as promptly as possible. Except
> under extreme circumstances, no complaint shall be accepted or investigated
> after a year from the time of the alleged violation of this Code.
>
> *         Complaints that turn out to be false and used for the purpose of
> harassing, intimidating, or retaliating against someone will be subject to
> the same kind of disciplinary action enumerated above.
>
> *         Any person dissatisfied with the resolution of a complaint may
> file an appeal with the National Association of Blind Students Board of
> Directors, which may, in its discretion, take such action as it deems
> necessary. If a person is still dissatisfied, such person may raise the
> matter to the national board of directors, which may, in its discretion,
> take whatever action it deems necessary. No national or state board member
> shall participate in the consideration of an appeal under this Code if such
> board member is the subject of the complaint or if such board member cannot
> be completely unbiased, impartial, and fair while considering the matter.
>
> X. Minimum Standard
>
> This Code of Conduct is intended to recite a minimum set of standards
> expected of Federation members. It sets forth the spirit that the Federation
> expects of all of its participants toward each other and toward those who
> work with the Federation at all of its levels. It is intended to be
> interpreted broadly to instill a respectful, cooperative, and welcoming
> spirit in members and in the activities of the Federation.
>
> XI. Federation Pledge and Acknowledgement of Code of Conduct
>
> I, (national division leader), pledge to participate actively in the efforts
> of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity,
> and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the
> Federation; and to abide by its Constitution. I further acknowledge that I
> have read this Code of Conduct and that I will follow its policies,
> standards, and principles.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Kathryn C. Webster
>
> President | National Association of Blind Students
>
>     A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind
>
> (203) 273-8463
>
> Nabs.president at gmail.com
>
>
>
> --
> Sarah K. Meyer
> Graduate Student, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
> Ball State University
> sarah.meyer55 at gmail.com
> (317)402-6632
>
> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
> characteristic that defines you or your future. You can live the life
> you want; blindness is not what holds you back. Together with love,
> hope, and determination, we transform dreams into reality.
>
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